A Typical Day Turns Life-Changing
On July 9, Mohit Sachdeva, a 40-year-old man from Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, started his day like any other. He went to the gym at 7:15 AM, a routine he had followed for the past 20 years. However, just an hour and a half later, everything changed when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. In a life-threatening moment, CPR saved a Delhi gym-goer’s life, turning a regular morning into a story of survival and awareness.
The Incident
While doing a heavy leg press exercise with 180 kg, Mohit suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed. He suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest. This attack could have ended poorly, but thankfully, help arrived quickly. Mohit’s wife, Ruby Sachdeva, later received a call from his gym friends. They informed her that Mohit was rushed to the Medanta-Moolchand Heart Centre.
The Importance of CPR
Ruby credits his survival to the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) given by members at the gym. CPR combines chest compressions and breaths to keep blood flowing when the heart stops. In many cases, especially in India, people face death during sudden cardiac arrests due to the lack of CPR. Many young people are unaware of this lifesaving technique.
Arriving at the Hospital
Upon reaching the hospital, doctors discovered that Mohit had no pulse. The medical team immediately performed advanced CPR and used electric shocks to revive him. Once his heartbeat appeared on the monitor, he was placed on a ventilator. Dr. Abbas Ali Khatai, an emergency room consultant, explained that every minute counts after a cardiac arrest. Without enough oxygen, the brain starts to die, leading to organ failure.
Stabilizing Mohit
Once Mohit’s heart stabilized, Dr. Tarun Kumar, an interventional cardiologist at the hospital, began giving him medications to raise his blood pressure. They conducted an electrocardiogram (ECG) and bedside echocardiogram. Eventually, an angiography showed that three of his heart vessels were blocked.
The Angioplasty Procedure
The situation was critical because two arteries were completely blocked. The doctors first performed an angioplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure to widen blocked blood vessels. They placed a stent inside one artery to keep it open. After restoring blood flow, Mohit was moved to the heart ICU, where he regained consciousness. Later, the doctors planned another procedure to open his remaining blocked arteries.
A Quick Recovery
Mohit’s recovery was impressive. Within just 24 hours, he no longer needed a ventilator. His blood pressure medication was adjusted to ensure stability. After three days in the hospital, he was well enough to return home. There, he started a cardiac care routine while preparing for the next procedure.
Understanding Heart Blockages
Heart blockages in the coronary arteries disrupt blood flow. This can cause the heart to stop beating properly, leading to dangerous situations like a cardiac arrest. Dr. Kumar confirmed that Mohit’s blockage caused his cardiac arrest.
The Need for Regular Check-ups
Dr. Kumar emphasized that many fit young people often overlook their heart health. Conditions like heart muscle thickening (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) can be inherited. Some people might have a family history of high cholesterol or blood-clotting problems. Therefore, all individuals over 25 should get annual cardiac tests, especially if they have a family history of heart problems.
Ignoring Warning Signs
Mohit ignored warning signs that could have saved his life. He felt pain in his left arm while exercising, but dismissed it as a muscle strain. He experienced similar pain during a trek to Vaishno Devi. What he thought was just a strain was actually angina pain, a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart. He also had high blood pressure that went unchecked.
The Role of Diet and Supplements
Ruby mentioned that Mohit followed a strict gym routine for 20 years and rarely allowed himself unhealthy food. However, after his episode, tests revealed he had borderline high cholesterol and fatty liver issues. These problems had no obvious symptoms. Recently, Mohit began taking herbal supplements and protein powders, which may have contributed to his heart problems.
The Risks of High Protein Intake
Dr. Kumar warned that consuming too much protein from supplements might strain the kidneys and affect heart health. Research on mice showed that high-protein diets can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. This plaque can break off easily, increasing the risk of blockages and heart attacks.
The Importance of Community CPR Training
Dr. Abbas emphasized the need for CPR training in communities. Quick CPR saved Mohit’s life. However, not everyone is as lucky when it comes to facing cardiac arrest. It is essential to spread awareness so that more people can learn how to save lives and prevent long-term health issues.
Post-Cardiac Rehabilitation
Dr. Tarun explained that after such an event, patients should gradually start walking for 10 to 15 minutes and slowly increase their walking time. This routine should grow to 40 minutes within six weeks. Doing this helps improve fitness and can manage symptoms effectively.
Conclusion
This series of events highlights the importance of heart health and how CPR saved a Delhi Gym-Goer’s life in a critical moment. Regular check-ups can help people like Mohit avoid serious crises. CPR training can save lives in emergencies. And those using dietary supplements should consult a doctor to ensure their safety. Let’s spread awareness and take charge of our heart health!
